Coffin bone fracture is a fairly common cause of lameness in horses. There are a number of different ways the coffin bone can fracture and the treatment and prognosis of each type are different. Any acute foot lameness should be suspect for a possible fracture. This article contains information on diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of fractures of the body of the coffin bone and the extensor process.

They are most common in racehorses but can be seen in any breed. Coffin bone fractures are also observed after direct trauma to the foot, such as striking a solid wall during a kick.

Horses are immediately lame and there will be increased heat palpable over the affected hoof wall and a marked prominence of the digital pulses. The chief differential is bruising or abscess. There may be swelling and edema at the coronary band after acute injuries. Lameness will be exacerbated by trotting on a hard surface. Application of hoof testers will help localize the site of injury. Regional anesthesia will improve the lameness, although the entire foot may have to be blocked before the horse is fully sound.